THE FREEZE

SLICE OF LIFE, perhaps loneliness, isolation

Habitual, scorching, sticky July day

she sits in a striped beach chair

under a Sourwood Tree

swishes her fan to shove the still air

peruses a novel, pages flip

black mutt dog by her side, barely breathes

conserves his energy

metal bowl of heated water, close

Sparse neighbors

but for an elderly bearded man

meanders his path to visit

he hears voices and jabbers back

she usually offers him an orange freeze

She peels herself off the chair

sweat drips down her plump thighs

bids him her exotic drink prepared last eve

peaches, frozen lemonade, vodka, ice chips

crunch in a blender

plops into a plastic bag, freeze

squeeze into glasses

He snores

jolts awake by her presence

chats with his voices

gulps down the freeze

grasps his head

slurps to bottom

listens to his voices, laughs

turns about to wander his path

Reviews

[R.E. Ray]

Betty, this reads much like a lazy summer day where I lived in south Georgia. And, don't the booze and neighbors make it a little better, if not only for the entertainment? Though I'm moving back to Georgia soon, I joke with my Midwest neighbors who complain about the heat and humidity (for about 6 weeks here). They don't know heat or humidity. I think a Southerner must've created that drink, especially with the peaches. I'd say this poem is good anytime of year, with or without the isolation of COVID.

[Betty Hermelee]

As Always, your comments are really good...welcome back to the south...the drink was a recipe of a friend..I had to put in the old man, otherwise it would be boring... Again thanks,
Betty

[Lea Sheryn]

I love a lazy summer day! A cool drink, a novel and perhaps a friend to share it.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks Lea, appreciate your review
fondly, Betty

[Lea Sheryn]

You're welcome, Betty!

[LJ]

This tells a good story in snapshots of neighborly neighbors; one who chats to unheard voices, both of whom drink 'freezes,' done for and against the heat, and leave readers a solid look at how to get through it all and depart laughing. I think this is my favorite piece by you that I've read so far. Only highlights are revealed, yet shadows are not forgotten. They're just frozen in place, lol.

[Betty Hermelee]

Than so much for your fine review, appreciate it!!
Best, Betty

[Lorry]

You're not from these here parts, stranger...
I have heard tell of a magical sky ball of fire, that would indeed result in thirst requiring quenching, but you are obviously from the upside down, as here, we have hot drinks and anything iced is on the ground awaiting a poorly shod foot to make you wish you stayed in bed.
I do recall a strange heat emanating from above whilst on holiday, but 'tis a distant memory, like a half forgotten dteam.
In case I was too subtle here Betty, it is blowing a gale and there is a smirr as far as the eyes can see.
Smirr equals rain without the need for rain, like walking through clouds. 😀

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Lorry, I appreciate your comments!

[Chris Shaw]

Such oppressive heat Betty. Too hot to do anything and I'm glad I caught you in your garden. This old gent in need of refreshment and company. Isolation sucks and at the moment there are plenty who are feeing cut off from others. A nice slice of life complete with your dog. That drink sounds wonderful.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

HI Chris; yes the heat I've been experiencing here in NC has been oppressive; thus the poem. Thank for your review! Best, Betty

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome Betty. Take care.

[barleygirl]

The best part of this "slice of life" vignette is how it feels both familiar & unexpected. You do a great job of making us FEEL the heat, the oppression, the craving for something cool plus something that's connected to others. What makes this unexpected is your depiction of the wandering neighbor, well done! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Margie...I really am feeling the h

[Betty Hermelee]

HI Margie, I really am feeling the heat as I write this piece. And, a friend told me how to make a peach freeze to cool off (with a little booze thrown in) It would have been boring without the old man muttering to his voices and the connection between two; Thanks always for your in-depth comment!! Cheers! Betty

[emmajoy]

Read this twice, second time aloud.. could see the heat..( too hot for me..) and long for t hat drink.. and wish i c ould have heard that old gent's laugh. Rather think he knows where he's going when he just happens to pas s by Amazing h ow the the virus sets a person's t houghts on scenes far far off the worst of lockdown.. Each of the senses on the go here. T hank you for painting such a colour ful canvas..

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you, thank you Emma...I am feeling the heat where I live, thus the vignette, and I had to embellish with the old man. Thanks again for you lovely comment! Betty

[emmajoy]

Your last stanza is a masterpiece, so very visual! Just read it again, I laughed - again, delighted.

[Betty Hermelee]

I’m so glad you liked it!😊

[emmajoy]

I did, I did, Betty.